Grocery could go in one of 13 sites

Updated 10:02 am, Thursday, February 21, 2013

Co-manager Mariah Lange brings plants closer to the door near closing time at Uncommon Fare on the first floor of Cevallos Lofts in Southtown in San Antonio on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2012.

Co-manager Mariah Lange brings plants closer to the door near closing time at Uncommon Fare on the first floor of Cevallos Lofts in Southtown in San Antonio on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2012.

Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

Image 2 of 40

Currently, there are nearly 20 grocery stores that are open or are planned in the downtown area. Still, the city continues to push for a large-format market, with plans to offer a $1 million incentive to a grocer that will build a store downtown.

Currently, there are nearly 20 grocery stores that are open or are planned in the downtown area. Still, the city continues to push for a large-format market, with plans to offer a $1 million incentive to a

Southeast corner of Broadway and Third Street. In 1960s Iowa, the Pep Boys were unknown. Hence, giant statues of the trio were too much to pass up.

Southeast corner of Broadway and Third Street. In 1960s Iowa, the Pep Boys were unknown. Hence, giant statues of the trio were too much to pass up.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 6 of 40

Manny, Moe and Jack have left downtown, but the road-weary still can find lodging at the Travelers Hotel (right side of picture).

Manny, Moe and Jack have left downtown, but the road-weary still can find lodging at the Travelers Hotel (right side of picture).

Photo: Kolarik

Image 7 of 40

East side of Broadway, south of Travis Street. My father took this because the Pearl truck happened to be in front of the bar. Also, he informed me that was the place cock-and-bull stories came from.

East side of Broadway, south of Travis Street. My father took this because the Pearl truck happened to be in front of the bar. Also, he informed me that was the place cock-and-bull stories came from.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 8 of 40

The Cock ‘n Bull is gone and – not surprisingly – so is the beer truck. Also, what was the Three Americas Building in the 1960s (and later the Atlee B. Ayers Building) is now San Antonio’s World Trade Center. less

The Cock ‘n Bull is gone and – not surprisingly – so is the beer truck. Also, what was the Three Americas Building in the 1960s (and later the Atlee B. Ayers Building) is now San Antonio’s World Trade ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 9 of 40

Northwest corner of Alamo and Houston streets: My father wanted the picture of Sommers Drugs because he’d hung around there during World War II. It apparently had a good supply of then-hard-to-get Coca-Cola.

Northwest corner of Alamo and Houston streets: My father wanted the picture of Sommers Drugs because he’d hung around there during World War II. It apparently had a good supply of then-hard-to-get Coca-Cola.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 10 of 40

The Gibbs Building now houses a Hotel Indigo and the space once occupied by the drugstore now is the 1909 Bar/Bistro, which offers a far wider selection of refreshments than just Coke.

The Gibbs Building now houses a Hotel Indigo and the space once occupied by the drugstore now is the 1909 Bar/Bistro, which offers a far wider selection of refreshments than just Coke.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 11 of 40

West side of St. Mary’s Street, south of Pecan Street. No boy could resist having his picture taken under a large sign reading BURLESQUE, and there is a 10- or 11-year-old version of me in front of the Green Gate Club. less

West side of St. Mary’s Street, south of Pecan Street. No boy could resist having his picture taken under a large sign reading BURLESQUE, and there is a 10- or 11-year-old version of me in front of the Green ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 12 of 40

Records indicate that the Green Gate’s owners gave up the gentlemen’s club business by the 1970s. Over the years, the 1960s false front on the building has been – pardon the pun – stripped away. It’s now vacant. less

Records indicate that the Green Gate’s owners gave up the gentlemen’s club business by the 1970s. Over the years, the 1960s false front on the building has been – pardon the pun – stripped away. It’s ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 13 of 40

Houston Street, looking east from the bridge. To the left is the Texas Theater, and just beyond that is the Gunter Office Building. To the right is the Capri store.

Houston Street, looking east from the bridge. To the left is the Texas Theater, and just beyond that is the Gunter Office Building. To the right is the Capri store.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 14 of 40

Most of the theater building and all of the Gunter Office Building were razed in the early 1980s. The Texas facade, however, was retained and now is part of the IBC Centre.

Most of the theater building and all of the Gunter Office Building were razed in the early 1980s. The Texas facade, however, was retained and now is part of the IBC Centre.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 15 of 40

West side of St. Mary’s Street, near the intersection with College Street. This was taken on my 10th birthday in 1965. After lunch at the Coney Island, my parents and I went across the street to the Empire Theater to see “Goldfinger.” less

West side of St. Mary’s Street, near the intersection with College Street. This was taken on my 10th birthday in 1965. After lunch at the Coney Island, my parents and I went across the street to the Empire ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 16 of 40

When I moved to San Antonio in 1982, the Coney Island was still in operation. Eventually, it was razed to make way for a Holiday Inn.

When I moved to San Antonio in 1982, the Coney Island was still in operation. Eventually, it was razed to make way for a Holiday Inn.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 17 of 40

Northeast corner of Soledad and Commerce streets. To the left is the old San Antonio Savings Association building and to the right is the Berns department store. A guy sold newspapers outside Berns, and my parents always bought the San Antonio Light from him. less

Northeast corner of Soledad and Commerce streets. To the left is the old San Antonio Savings Association building and to the right is the Berns department store. A guy sold newspapers outside Berns, and my ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 18 of 40

SASA and Berns both are gone, and high-rise buildings have sprung up to the East. Also, Soledad Street has been closed on the east side of Main Plaza, the site from where this picture was taken.

SASA and Berns both are gone, and high-rise buildings have sprung up to the East. Also, Soledad Street has been closed on the east side of Main Plaza, the site from where this picture was taken.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 19 of 40

East side of Soledad Street, across from Main Plaza. We frequently dined at Toler’s, largely because of its inexpensive menu. My parents took to calling the place “Sidney’s,” after Sidney Toler, who was one of the actors who played Charlie Chan. less

East side of Soledad Street, across from Main Plaza. We frequently dined at Toler’s, largely because of its inexpensive menu. My parents took to calling the place “Sidney’s,” after Sidney Toler, who was ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 20 of 40

The building that housed Toler’s and the surrounding structures have been replaced by an entryway to the River Walk.

The building that housed Toler’s and the surrounding structures have been replaced by an entryway to the River Walk.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 21 of 40

Southwest corner of Dolorosa and Flores streets. The building in the center of the photo used to house the Cactus Hotel on the second floor. It was a place my father had stayed while on weekend passes during the war, mainly because it was cheap. less

Southwest corner of Dolorosa and Flores streets. The building in the center of the photo used to house the Cactus Hotel on the second floor. It was a place my father had stayed while on weekend passes during ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 22 of 40

One highly visible change in downtown San Antonio is the much larger role that trees now play in the cityscape. In 2011, limbs block the view of the old Cactus Hotel site.

One highly visible change in downtown San Antonio is the much larger role that trees now play in the cityscape. In 2011, limbs block the view of the old Cactus Hotel site.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 23 of 40

Houston Street, looking east from Flores Street. We’d seen the young woman on the motorbike — a rather unusual sight in the mid-‘60s — several times before taking this picture. In much sharper focus than the biker is the Stowers Furniture building to the left. less

Houston Street, looking east from Flores Street. We’d seen the young woman on the motorbike — a rather unusual sight in the mid-‘60s — several times before taking this picture. In much sharper focus ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 24 of 40

The buildings on the right side of Houston Street have been replaced by the Frost National Bank Building. On the opposite side of the street, Stowers has been replaced by a green space.

The buildings on the right side of Houston Street have been replaced by the Frost National Bank Building. On the opposite side of the street, Stowers has been replaced by a green space.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 25 of 40

Houston Street, looking west from Flores Street. The area was a heavily commercialized district that featured Sugarman’s Uniforms in the foreground at right.

Houston Street, looking west from Flores Street. The area was a heavily commercialized district that featured Sugarman’s Uniforms in the foreground at right.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 26 of 40

Buildings on both sides of Houston Street have been replaced by parking lots fronted by trees. The lot on the right side of the street also contains a drive-in bank.

Buildings on both sides of Houston Street have been replaced by parking lots fronted by trees. The lot on the right side of the street also contains a drive-in bank.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 27 of 40

South Side of Houston Street between Flores and Cameron streets. Jimmy’s was a combination shoeshine parlor and pool hall that sold 16-ounce bottles of RC Cola and Big Red for 15 cents.

South Side of Houston Street between Flores and Cameron streets. Jimmy’s was a combination shoeshine parlor and pool hall that sold 16-ounce bottles of RC Cola and Big Red for 15 cents.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 28 of 40

The building that housed Jimmy’s was razed to make way for a parking lot after I moved here in ’82. I intended to snag the 7UP sign (the part that said “Jimmy’s” had been painted over), but someone beat me to it. less

The building that housed Jimmy’s was razed to make way for a parking lot after I moved here in ’82. I intended to snag the 7UP sign (the part that said “Jimmy’s” had been painted over), but someone ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 29 of 40

Produce Row, looking west from Santa Rosa Street. We were interested in the building next to the one sporting the Gonzalez campaign sign. It housed the Guadalupana Drugstore, which sold 12-ounce bottles of Coca-Cola for a dime and had the world’s most powerful fan in lieu of air conditioning. less

Produce Row, looking west from Santa Rosa Street. We were interested in the building next to the one sporting the Gonzalez campaign sign. It housed the Guadalupana Drugstore, which sold 12-ounce bottles of ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 30 of 40

Once a neighborhood shopping district for San Antonians, Market Square has evolved into a popular tourist destination. The buildings to the left have been reconditioned and the Museo Alameda has been added at right. less

Once a neighborhood shopping district for San Antonians, Market Square has evolved into a popular tourist destination. The buildings to the left have been reconditioned and the Museo Alameda has been added at ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 31 of 40

South Side of Houston Street, west of San Saba Street. I was never sure why my father wanted a picture of the Angelus Funeral Home, aside from the fact it was just down the street from Santa Rosa Hospital and he liked the juxtaposition. less

South Side of Houston Street, west of San Saba Street. I was never sure why my father wanted a picture of the Angelus Funeral Home, aside from the fact it was just down the street from Santa Rosa Hospital and ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 32 of 40

A Wells Fargo bank now occupies the funeral home’s old site.

A Wells Fargo bank now occupies the funeral home’s old site.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 33 of 40

Commerce and Flores streets, looking north. Residents of the 1960s could use the services of the modernistic Frost National Bank or cross Flores Street and shop at the traditionalist Kress store.

Commerce and Flores streets, looking north. Residents of the 1960s could use the services of the modernistic Frost National Bank or cross Flores Street and shop at the traditionalist Kress store.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 34 of 40

Kress is long gone, as is the Melrose store that occupied the space for several years. Frost is still on the corner, but the main banking center is a block north on Houston Street.

Kress is long gone, as is the Melrose store that occupied the space for several years. Frost is still on the corner, but the main banking center is a block north on Houston Street.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 35 of 40

North side of Commerce Street between the San Antonio River and St. Mary’s Street. This was taken in either 1966 or ’67, as the eating establishment named La Ramada was called the Buffalo Cafe in 1965. To the far left is the glass-and-steel San Antonio Savings Association building. less

North side of Commerce Street between the San Antonio River and St. Mary’s Street. This was taken in either 1966 or ’67, as the eating establishment named La Ramada was called the Buffalo Cafe in 1965. To ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 36 of 40

By whatever name, the cafe is long gone, and the site now houses a convenience store. SAHA, too, has disappeared and that site now is occupied by an office building.

By whatever name, the cafe is long gone, and the site now houses a convenience store. SAHA, too, has disappeared and that site now is occupied by an office building.

Photo: Kolarik

Image 37 of 40

Commerce Street, looking south toward the site of HemisFair ’68. This was taken in 1967. The dark area in the top of the photo is the overhanging awning on the old Joske’s store. The tall column is what the Tower of the Americas looked like without its top. less

Commerce Street, looking south toward the site of HemisFair ’68. This was taken in 1967. The dark area in the top of the photo is the overhanging awning on the old Joske’s store. The tall column is what the ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 38 of 40

The overhang of the old Joske’s building is still there but virtually everything else looks different. The complex that’s now the Convention Center is no longer visible from Commerce Street, but at least the tower has a much more finished appearance. less

The overhang of the old Joske’s building is still there but virtually everything else looks different. The complex that’s now the Convention Center is no longer visible from Commerce Street, but at least ... more

Photo: Kolarik

Image 39 of 40

Locals can take advantage of free parking at city-owned garages, lots and meters every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Locals can take advantage of free parking at city-owned garages, lots and meters every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Photo: Mike Fisher

Image 40 of 40

Grocery could go in one of 13 sites

1 / 40

Back to Gallery

The race is on to see who will land more than $1 million in city incentives to develop a long-desired downtown grocery store.

Up to this point, city officials have talked mostly with San Antonio-based H-E-B about building a center-city location. But smaller entrepreneurs are getting into the mix, hoping their plans for bringing a store to an area that's undergoing revitalization will spark some interest at City Hall.

The city plans to start soliciting ideas for a grocery March 1. The process is expected to run 90 days, with responses due June 4.

The City Council could award a $1 million grant and other incentives in September.

“We're in a good position to take the next step,” District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal said at a council meeting Wednesday. “What's interesting about this (selection) process is that it's so wide open. So we could get a wild variety of proposals.”

During Wednesday's session, council members heard the results of a study — conducted by the consulting firm HR&A Advisors — examining the feasibility of an inner-city grocery store. It concluded that downtown could support a location sized up to 20,000 square feet.

Most Popular

The report also identified 13 potential sites in and around downtown, including properties owned by H-E-B and Spanish-language broadcaster Univision, both located on East César Chávez Boulevard.

HR&A estimates there's about $10 million per year in unmet grocery demand.

But despite the existing demand, the firm pointed out challenges for grocery operators — such as high operating, development and land costs, and limited parking.

The study recommends offering a subsidy of up to $3 million.

Currently, the city has $1 million on the table but could offer other incentives such as city fee waivers, SAWS impact fee waivers and property tax abatement, said Lori Houston, director of the Center City Development Office.

But instead of selecting one operator to support, District 8 Councilman Reed Williams suggested spreading the risk to multiple entrepreneurs. He envisioned a market with a variety of offerings such as a bakery, a butcher area and produce.

“Sometimes we get too encouraged about somebody coming and creating that 'wow' factor,” Williams said. “The reality is that we got to get a lot of someones that are willing to risk and then create growth. Because if one fails, then the whole thing doesn't fail.”

The study also says the city should give preference to a development that includes residential units and room for other types of retail components.

The report also recommended the grocery operator have a regional presence and sell a wide array of products.

At the top of its list, which included grocers such as Sprouts and Green Fields Markets, was H-E-B.

The city and H-E-B have acknowledged an ongoing discussion about a downtown market. Speculation has centered on a location near the company's Southtown headquarters as a potential site.

While the grocer has studied markets in urban areas around the world, H-E-B has said it has no current plans for an inner-city store here.

H-E-B spokeswoman Dya Campos declined to comment Wednesday on whether the firm would submit a proposal for the $1 million incentive.

La Fiesta, which was named as a potential candidate in the study, probably will pursue the incentive, company Vice President and General Manager Ronnie Catlett has said.

Apart from the major players named in the report, a handful of area entrepreneurs plan to go after the public money.

Chef Johnny Hernandez, who owns and operates the Frutería and La Gloria restaurants, has said he wants to open a downtown grocery, a venture he's considered for about five years. He envisions a Mexican mercado combined with a traditional American grocery store.

Entrepreneur Josh Levine owns multiple gyms and operates Uncommon Fare, a roughly 900-square-foot market on the bottom floor of the Cevallos Lofts in Southtown. He's looking to open multiple stores in various parts of downtown. The size of his stores could range from 1,000 square feet to 9,000 square feet.

Levine has already talked with city officials about his idea.

He sees the selection process as open. While he realizes more established operators such as H-E-B are more than likely to get the money, he's still going for it.